Rural Mahaska Man Charged With Sexual Abuse

James Gareth Verhoef (Mahaska County Jail Photo)

On Tuesday, July 17″. 2018, the Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint of the sexual abuse of a child. The information received was that this abuse had been ongoing for several years at 1544 Adams Avenue, in rural Pella, Iowa, from the time the victim was 8-years-of-age until the victim was 13-years-of-age. The Sheriff’s Office investigated this matter in conjunction with members of the Iowa Department of Human Services.

As a result of this investigation, Sheriff’s Officials charged 40-year-old James Gareth Verhoef, of 1544 Adams Avenue, with 1 count of Sexual Abuse in the 2nd Degree (class B felony), 1 count
of Sexual Abuse in the 3rd Degree (class C felony) and 2 counts of Lascivious Acts with a Child (class C felonies). An arrest warrant was issued for Verhoef. Further charges are pending and the investigation into these allegations is ongoing.

Verhoef was taken into custody, pursuant to this arrest warrant, during the early morning hours of Saturday, July 21St, 2018. He was arrested near Lake Red Rock in Marion County and transported to the Mahaska County Jail. Verhoef posted a $55,000 bond and was released later that same date.

***As a reminder, a criminal charge is merely an accusation and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.